Navy Observes September as Suicide Prevention Month

Washington, DC - The Navy joins the nation in observing Suicide Prevention throughout the month of September.

Since the launch of the "Every Sailor, Every Day" campaign and the "1 Small ACT" message, Navy's Suicide Prevention Branch, OPNAV N171, has seen outstanding participation across the Fleet in sharing the simple everyday actions that can save lives.

This year, the Navy continues to use "1 Small ACT" to enlist all members of the Navy community in the fight against suicide.

"Navy Suicide Prevention Month is a time to refocus on the entire team," said Rear Adm. Karl Thomas, Director 21st Century Sailor Office. "We are relentless in keeping psychological health in open conversation, eliminating mental health stigmas by encouraging those that need help to receive it, and educating our Sailors on suicide warning signs so they have the courage to recognize and seek help for their peers and themselves."

Here is some useful information to get involved during the month of September.

* New tools: To help generate the conversation at your command, the "Every Sailor, Every Day" campaign promotes new tools that empower Sailors and their families to better recognize warning signs, start conversations, take the right actions to intervene, and practice ongoing safety. Posters, graphics and tips are available in the FY-18 1 Small ACT Toolkit to help identify warning signs, decrease risk during times of increased stress, and promote new resources to help Sailors recover from psychological or emotional crisis, like the Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) program. These tools are designed not only to help others, but also to help yourself. You can access the toolkit at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/suicide_prevention/spmonth/Pages/Get-Involved.aspx.

* Preventing suicide is an all hands evolution: On Sept. 7, at 12 p.m. EDT, the Navy's Suicide Prevention office will co-host a webinar with Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center's Health Promotion and Wellness Department to share lessons learned from Navy Suicide Prevention Branch's annual cross disciplinary case reviews. The webinar is intended for all levels of leadership, Suicide Prevention Coordinators, health promotion coordinators, providers, chaplains and all personnel who have frequent contact with Sailors who may be at increased risk of suicide. To register, visit https://survey.max.gov/933674.

For more help in generating the conversation at your command, use the latest resources from the Suicide Prevention branch.

The Military Crisis Line offers confidential support for active duty and reserve service members and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.militarycrisisline.net or send a text message to 838255.